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Exercise #347: Self Knowledge
Posted 12/18/09
Do you do nothing well?
I found a most interesting book, The Art of Doing Nothing, by Vienne and Lennard. It’s about teaching a person with a frenetic life pace to take it easy sometimes without guilt.
Sometimes, when I do nothing, intriguing things happen. I remember something from a long time ago, or a task I’ve forgotten to do (usually something I’ve promised a friend). I can feel muscles relax and very rarely, I can slow my mind down.
Today, take some time to do nothing. Ideally, make it half an hour. More is good, less is okay if you absolutely cannot sit still for half an hour. Find a time when you have no demands. No television, no radio, no phone calls, no making dinner for the spouse.
In the relative quiet, simply sit. Allow thoughts to come and go, but don’t act on them. Relax, and try to breathe deeply.
When you’re done, come and show us what you’ve learned about yourself.
You may, if you wish, show a character tackling this exercise instead.
Critiquers, with an exercise like this one, you might choose to answer these questions rather than using a different technique for critiquing the piece:
* Can you relate to the piece? How and why?
* What is the message, if there is one? Is it presented in a way any reader can understand even if he/she hasn't had a similar experience?
* Did the writer's experience come through to the reader?
Word limit: 1200
Please use the subject line:
SUB: Exercise #347/yourname
Why this is a self-knowledge exercise: This exercise may teach you something surprising about yourself and your ability - or not - to relax.
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